As individuals working tirelessly in the postoperative recovery industry, our mission to provide quality care to our respites faces significant hurdles due to AHCA's regulations and limitations on the admission criteria.  In order to operate legally, we had to obtain an ALF license—a label/title that does not define us; however, we were obliged to comply and did so. These regulations that were set in place to care for the elderly frequently fail to recognize the unique needs and services of our sector, forcing us to comply by mandates that do not apply to us, and are in fact, negatively affecting our respites.

It is imperative to note that cosmetic and reconstructive surgery has surged over the years, titling Miami as the Plastic Surgery capital of the United States. The majority of our respites fly into Miami from all over the nation, other countries even, to get these procedures done; they rely solely on our services for a swift and speedy recovery so that they are in the best possible conditions upon their return home. We provide not just care, but guidance on how to care for themselves effectively after surgery to avoid complications such as infections and even death.

Our industry focuses on postoperative recovery, and part of that recovery often involves the use of a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drains—a common post-surgical device that is self-manageable and provides numerous benefits to the recovery of patients who've undergone cosmetic and/or reconstructive surgery (refer to supporting letters written by Board certified surgeons). We do not believe it is appropriate, or humane even, to deny our respites these essential, and often, critical services due to the presence of an inserted JP drain.

The necessity of JP drains in post-surgical recovery is more than evident. They [JP drains] aid in reducing fluid accumulation, ultimately facilitating faster healing. However, the existing regulatory framework prevents us from catering to such crucial aspects of patient care. Furthermore, overlooking our industry as postoperative recovery homes leads to legal scrutiny, impacting our ability to serve our respites to the best of our abilities.

It's high time these regulations reflect the true nature of our work and the significance of the services we provide. By revising the AHCA's admission criteria to accommodate post-surgical JP drains in our care services, Florida can rightfully acknowledge the critical role we play in the health care continuum and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Help us get there. Sign the petition to advocate for more comprehensive and reflective regulatory standards for postoperative recovery homes in Florida.